Whispers of Inspiration

Resolutions and Folds

2012-01-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

Hi, it's me Margret. Just learning about resolution, photo wise. What I need for printing is too big for uploading. I'm glad I'm figuring that out. Now I don't have to redraw a bunch of doodles for printing, unless of course I want finer lines. Which I'll probably do if I want to do card size. I'm really thinking about make some of my doodles into cards. I don't know if they'll sell but won't know if I don't try. Knowing how long it took me to do the originals makes me squirm at the thought of redoing them. So this one is my snowflake doodle. Printed full size it has a nice presence. I haven't tried printing it smaller yet to see how heavy the lines get. That's the next experiment. I was looking up images for accordian books and I found this image. I just love it!

Lunar Journey

You'll have to scroll down to find the book. What really excites me is that I found out the fold is called Turkish Map Fold. So of course I found directions and had to try it out! I love it. Can't wait to incorporate it into something. Try it out. I can see all kinds of possibilities. While I want to make my own book, it would be neat for a card or scrapbook as well. It will take me a bit, it always does, but I will post it. In the mean time I'm working on a snowflake accordian book. It doesn't resemble the doodle though. I hope to finish it soon and then I'll post.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

A bit late but Happy New Year!! Hope the year has enough smiles to outweigh the frowns, enough courage to outweigh the fears, enough hugs to outweigh the tears. May this year be about growing into the grace of our creator and the love of our family and friends. On a side note, Strathmore Papers has some free online classes you can sign up for here. Looks like fun.

2011-12-19T16:27:00.002-07:00

I'm so late posting this! This is a digital swap card I received from Patti at Treasure Barn.This is so pretty and I just love the fall colors. I know it's almost Christmas however, I'm just trying to catch up. Since I've got my computer, I'm having trouble posting comments on some people's blogs! I'm so disappointed as I haven't been able to comment on some of my favorite ones. It isn't everyones just some people. Quite frankly, the canned explainations from Google really haven't helped either. Well here's hoping everyone has a Merry Christmas!

2011-12-15T21:20:00.000-07:00

This isn't completed yet. I've been going with my friend Laura to RedLodge which is about 60 miles away to an art quilt club. I sew, however, I've only made one disasterous quilt. Anyway, these ladies don't do traditional quilts for this meeting, though other times they do work on traditional quilts. The neat thing is they are learning and practicing various techniques which has been so much fun! This little piece has been painted with melted crayon. The background of the fabric has been dyed with tissue paper! Now you all may know about that but I didn't. You wet the fabric and lay tissue paper that will bleed on it and then add more water to the top of the tissue paper. You are suppose to use fabric that's been prepared for dyeing though. Since I didn't have any, I just grabbed what I had and away I went. Of course it needs more layering. I'm thinking some embroidery and beads to start. I do want to try it on paper too. It can't be washed though as the background will come out. I want to experiment to see if I can get the next piece color fast. It's been awhile since I played with fabric and it's been fun.

Computer Woes

2011-12-05T08:35:00.006-07:00

Well it's been awhile, however, in my defense I was having computer problems! My monitor started acting funny and it only worked once in awhile. Then it just quit! Ugh! So I did some research and found out it was either my power supply or my video card. Well my computer was just old enough to make it difficult to find one that would work. And even at that I was told I'd have to update other things and one thing lead to another and as soon as I can find out where to recycle it, it's out of here. I bit the bullet and bought another computer. Bad timing for sure. I didn't realize how much I actually do with my computer until I didn't have it. I'm feeling like my granddaughter seperated from my bunnies. I'm going to put the old hard drive in as it is the only way to not lose all my stuff. When I told the guy at the computer store I was going to do this, he said all by yourself?! Honey, please! You pull the hard drive out and plug it into the empty space in the new one. I've been tinkering for awhile. Who can afford to pay a technician to slid something into slot A when I know where slot A is for heaven's sake. Yes, somethings are a mystery, but slot A is not. Now maybe I can finally get online. Maybe not, it won't publish! Sorry.

2011-11-16T06:27:00.002-07:00

So much for being timely! I don't want to keep writing about the same thing but my brain is stuck so I don't show up at the page, any page! But I've been reading a person just has to show up daily and do something and eventually things will flow. Of course I wish I didn't work 10 hour days then it might make it less difficult. so if you show up you'll be seeing chicken scratch for awhile but at least I'll get back in the habit. This is something I really want to do for myself. So this will continue to be my journey through depression and hopefully my art will show up from time to time as. I'm going to start sitting at that desk everyday too! Even if all I do is make a few marks. What I'm grateful for to day is the hope my Lord gives me that I am willing to take risks to grow.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T09:30:00.000-06:00

Wheaties Anyone?

2011-10-25T05:52:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite quotes: "The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing." Marcus Aurelius.

2011-10-17T09:38:00.002-06:00

I really haven't forgotten about my blog. I do have extreme guilt for not posting or visiting. I'd like to say I've had so much going on and I have had somethings going on but really that's not the case either. I hate too admit it, but it's been all I can do to go to work and do a few things around my house. You know, slumps shouldn't go on this long but it seems to be. A kitten would have a better chance fighting it's way out of a wet paper bag, ugh! For myself, I'm going to keep working on showing up at this page, not for anyone else but me. I just need to think of this as a healing process. So just for myself, I'm going to show up at this page and see what shape it takes. I'm not going to have any preconceived notions about where it should go, the destination isn't the point anymore, it's the journey.

Halloween?

2011-09-14T20:47:00.002-06:00

I made it to Bozeman and visited with my mother and my sister. Mom was looking good. They changed her medications and it seemed to help clear her lungs up. She seemed to have a bit of enery too. Of course we don't know how long this will last, but I will cherish every day!
So, I'm working on these Halloween cards. I'm doing 10 of this one. If I can make a few more, I might actually sell some. I've been very busy but not with anything fun. This I like since it's creating!

Treasure Barn Swap

2011-09-11T08:57:00.002-06:00

This ATC is for the swap at Treasure Barn. The is Not Your Ordinary School Teacher.
The theme is School Days. As you can imagine, I'm struggling a bit with my depression. I talked to my mother yesterday. She said she's feeling better than she has for awhile and then she said, "I hope this isn't the calm before the storm." Sigh. At first I didn't know what to say. Then I said we'll just have to wait and see. After all, it needed to be acknowledged. Tomorrow, I'm headed to Bozeman to visit with her. It will be a quick trip as her energy still isn't that great and I don't want to wear her out. The weather should be good.

Time and Talent

2011-09-08T21:58:00.002-06:00

I was at work late tonight or rather I should say I went back again. I went to a talent show our residents put on on one of the floors. It was hilarious, touching, and so worth going back in to work for. It was neat to see these women set aside some things for an hour and just be people. No one had to be tough, they got to forget what they've done, what they're suffering, and the uncertainty of what might happen to them. They were comedians, dancers, singers, and actors. It was touching at times and gut splitting at other times. I know I work with a tough crowd but sometimes, even the baddest person on the block can be human. It was nice. My mom is stable and seems to be recovering from her pneumonia. We are no longer allowed to visit if we're sick or even think we're coming down with something. The doctor says her lungs are worn out and she just won't survive another round of pneumonia. They've decided not to do hospice because she would get to depressed and give up. Of course, I'm hoping they are jumping the gun but I must admit, I'm truly concerned. I don't know how to be without my mother. They say she could live a year or it could be a month, they just don't know. She's proved them wrong so far, but when you look at her, you can see how fragile she is. I guess maybe the talent show did me some good for a minute too. I love you mom.

New Project

2011-09-01T06:15:00.002-06:00

This is the start of a new project. I'm planning on laying a tree in as the next layer. I hope to make it out of twisted brown paper sack that will then be painted or stained or glazed or??? And this will all depend on whether I can get it flat enough. I want the twisted part as I know I could
probably paint it well enough, however, I thought it would be fun to experiment. I'll let you know how it goes. In the mean time, I've been dealing with a nasty case of acid reflux and seem to be on some high does of meds. Love the pharmacist! She figured out how much over the counter meds I could take to avoid the $500. price tag! Now it's only, only geesh!, $100. I also need prayers for my mom and Dennis' mom. My mom is in the hospital recovering from pneumonia and Dennis' mom may need heart surgery. It's tough having parents get older. I know that's the nature of things, but it's still tough. Faith will get us all through it.

Montana Scenery

2011-08-22T15:41:00.010-06:00

These pictures are from DH and son's camping trip. They always take one trip where it's just them. I thought you might enjoy some of their pictures.

2011-08-03T20:41:00.004-06:00

Here's a doodle from my meetings today. As I'm looking at her, I can almost imagine a shoulder her hair is draped over. This was done quickly with a sharpie. I wonder what kind of ink would help her to scan better. I'd really like to use her in some different ways. I'm wondering if less detail in her would be good. Sometimes, I think I'd like to have stamps made of my ladies. I haven't come close to posting all the ladies I've drawn. I would imagine it would be expensive and I can't afford one of those machines to make my own stamps, sigh.

Wow, has it been hot! I'm grateful I don't live farther east. My goodness they've been really hot. Well the postman was very nice today. He brought some soft body acrylics for me to play with! I can't wait until this weekend so I can play with them. Believe me, it will be very hard to wait until then. In the mean time, I finished a prayer shawl and a pair of baby booties for donation. I'm working on another pair of booties but different crochet pattern. It's fun to make things however, I have no babies in the family at the moment so our church donates these things and now I have an excuse to make them, yea! I also completed a little box for holding 3x3 notecards which are waiting to be made. I'm also working on another larger box with drawers and dividers, wow big time now. Okay maybe not but I've been more active this week then I have for awhile. I finally have some energy to push through my depression which I haven't for awhile. I'm getting tired of it and I'm sure others must be too but it is a fact of my life. I'm gaining more insight into it. During the summer, I miss alot of church yet I'll show up for other things. Well if nobody misses me or I haven't made a commitment, it's easier to fade away, kind of like what I do with this blog. I do get weary of it and I get tired of fighting it but I know in the end it'll be worth it so I keep trying. I think I'm getting to be the queen of run on sentences here, ugh. Good thing I posted a drawing so there's at least one interesting thing on this post. At the moment this is probably more to amuse myself. That's okay. At least if I'm only amusing myself, I'm not creating any victims other than me. If you've stopped by and got to the end of the post, thanks. If you hurried and skipped through, well, there's no need to apologize, you've already left. Well, will write later. I think I'm going to go find ice water and get some sleep.

2011-07-18T13:43:00.002-06:00

Serenity is a funny thing or maybe I should say happiness is. I always thought if the kids would behave, if the bills would be paid, if my house was just so, the job, etc, etc. Even if that were all true, it still is dependent on my perception. My perception is my reality. So if I want my reality to change, I'll just tweek the antenna and change my reception altering my perception and thus reality change wa la. If only it were that easy! But you get the idea. My serenity needs to be based on my spirituality and my Creator. My Depression Journal is so depressing anymore, even when I'm a bit depressed. That fact is, hope has grown much stronger making it more difficult to concentrate so much on my depression. It makes me smile. I still have alot of bad habits to overcome thanks to depression including procrastination, the worst! Good thing my walk with my Creator gets me through alot. After all he sent me so many nice people! Got to love that.

2011-07-04T16:58:00.003-06:00

So Happy Fourth of July! I hope everyone is relaxing and having a good time! I know one of my sisters is, she posted on Face Book, enjoying a pool party, sigh. We all should be so relaxed as Myrtle here.
Myrtle is my newest attempt at collage. Amazing what you can do with some magazine pics. Not sure what I'll do with her, however, I learned I need lots more practice. Ethel had a hayday, pointing everything out that was wrong. Wish she'd take a vacation. I do have to give her some credit as some of what she had to say was valid. I just wish she knew when to stop. Well back to digging through my scraps.

Inner Critic

2011-06-28T21:14:00.002-06:00

So what did you do tonight? I gave my inner critic a name. Her name is Ethel! She's the queen of double standards. She's rather untidy and her idea of dressing up is bedroom slippers, sweats, and a stretched out sweater. She can never remember where she puts things and her idea of a job well done is "a lick and a promise". You can't read her handwriting and she's too busy critisizing me to do any art herself. Or anything else for that matter. She tells me, I can't do anything right, why bother, my handwriting is terrible, and the only art I can do is worthy for outhouse walls! The nerve of her. She also has a way of expection perfection from me and really likes to gloat over when she gets me to give up. I tried to take a picture of her but she's pretty crafty at avoiding the camera. I'm probably going to have to sit down and do a picture from memory. It might take a day or two as she always sticks her nose in everything even when she's not wanted!!! Sound familiar? Drop a line and tell me about your inner critic and we can commiserate together. If you can catch your critic on camera though I'm telling you, it's next to impossible!

2011-06-27T21:36:00.002-06:00

Time flies. This month I attended a seminar in Helena for 3 days. Nice, I didn't have to make a bed or cook! Got to love that, right. I can't believe it will be July already. I'm managing to get a few things done, however, not near what I planned. Usually summer is easier with my depression, not this year. Yuck! So every night I remember what I'm grateful and in the morning, I say thank you for another opportunity. I always tell my clients you have to hang in there as it's temporary. Besides, I just refuse to let this get the best of me. I appreciate that some of you still stop by. Please leave a comment and say hi!

Summer is finally here!

2011-06-21T06:29:00.007-06:00

Well summer is finally here, though we don't have sizzling temperatures yet. Thank goodness. I'm not a fan of extreme heat and to me upper 80s and 90s is extreme. I know not to some of you. I like being just right and upper 70s is that or lower.
So this is still the same technique just different page. I've been so busy, I haven't had much time to do anything and I'll probably have to renew the book. Wish my budget included books at the moment. Oh well, I'll just keep checking it out until they tell me I can't.

A few close ups.

Here's to sunshine and gentle breezes. Have a good day!

Journal Page

2011-06-06T11:34:00.003-06:00

I'm doing a little bit with the book Journal Spilling by Diana Trout. I borrowed it from the library and thought I'd try a few of the exercises. My journal seems like a good place to try some of these techniques in.

Echo???????

2011-05-31T06:15:00.004-06:00

I think I hear echos! Oh my! Time passes fast. I wish I could say I was having lots of fun. Well, that's okay, that's the way it goes. No guarentees and all that. Well, maybe I can run and twirl and be silly. It's always easier, no actually it's not easier when alone. Hm......m, now what.
No promises, no promises. I don't like disappointing people, but the reality is, I've been disappointing myself. Sorting self out is not an easy task. Sounds like a project doesn't it. No promises, no promises. Or is that no commitments????????? Actually, a tiny commitment how about, once a week for now. Got fingernails and Faith! What more does a person need to hang on? Friends. Smile! I have friends too. Maybe they'll visit after awhile?

This is the start of a prayer shawl. I often pray for peace, comfort, and courage for whoever will receive it. I won't know the person as it will be donated to my church who will send it on.

No promises, however, one small commitment. I think it might be doable. Is that a word? It is now.

Winter or Spring????

2011-04-22T10:34:00.002-06:00

Some mornings I wake up and there's snow in the sky. Some mornings I wake up and it's rain. One morning there was two or three inches of snow on the ground! Mother Nature, I think you're confused! It's April and flowers should be popping up. I would like to hear gentle raindrops on my roof with sun peaking through the clouds. Today it's cold, cold, and cold with dry snowflakes and a bleak, gray sky. Really, I'm over winter.
This little ATC is a combination of paper, acrylic paints, and pen. I composed the figure out of decorative papers and collaged her onto decorative paper before adding her to the background. It was fun. It's for a swap the Patti is having. Not sure why I haven't been blogging much. I guess maybe I don't feel like I have anything to say. Of course that could be the inner critic trying to tie up anything creative. My attention span has been super short lately and sitting down and seeing anything through to completion has been difficult at best. Sigh! I'm contemplating what to do. One voice is saying just let go of the blog and move on and another voice is saying no way! We need it. Right now it's probably more of a diary for me. I'm not much of an entertainer and sometimes I feel like I'm trying to hard. I wish I some of the wit or pizazz others have. Well, I'll just have to stick around and see what happens. Maybe we'll all be surprised.

Meeting Notes

2011-03-23T19:27:00.002-06:00

So Wednesday is a day of meetings at work. I have from 7am to 10am without meetings, then 10 to 4pm that is meetings. I'm always worn out, having to just sit. Of course it does my back no good either.
Anyway, I have a tough time staying focused, so I doodle, which I've told you before. This is a new Zentangle doodle. I have a feeling, I'll be crashing shortly after dinner tonight. I had hoped to work on a journal, however, my umph got up and left!

ATC

2011-03-16T17:38:00.003-06:00

Happy St. Pat's Day! I know it's a day early but that's okay. I love St. Pats as it's the day before my birthday. Two good reasons to drink green beer. So how did I get to be this old and have never drank it??? I guess I've lived a deprived life, oh my. I hope you enjoy the holiday. Personally, I'd rather celebrate with a good Rueban sandwich!

Stages of Completion

2011-03-07T06:48:00.005-07:00

Well, I completed the first page, though it has no journaling on it. I'm hoping someone would love to add their own words. This is the very first page and the words, I think. are wonderful.
This is the next page and the border scanned lighter than it really is. Its very sweet. I really need to see how these print out. They may make good cards as well, though scanning them is difficult since the pages are still spiral bound. I don't have a good camera so I don't believe they would turn out any better that way.

This last page still needs some words collaged on to it. I love the attitude in this one. Finding just the right words has been alluding me. I think she believes they need to be perfect before she'll let me add anything! She's been difficult to work with! She doesn't act like a diva exactly. Any suggestions?

There are so many faces waiting for completion and they are all depending on me for just the right colors and words! Oh, the pressure, it's enough to make one dizzy with the responsibility. I think I need to go find my coffee. Honey, do we have any Irish whiskey? St. Pat's is coming up, I could use some release right now, before these ladies all get to me!!!

2011-03-01T06:11:00.002-07:00

According to grandaughter Arissa (3 years old) pepper will make you naked. I'll let you know if it's true, I added pepper to the fried potatoes and I'm still waiting!

Mini-Collage

2011-02-27T15:12:00.002-07:00

As I was talking to my granddaughter Arissa on the phone, I started layering scraps of paper on a circle drawn on deli sandwich wrap paper. Miss Arissa is quite a sweetie, just like her sister, Miss Morgan. Arissa is so funny, she wants to talk to grandma and my daughter always says no, you never give grandma back! Pretty soon you here a pleeease. So she'll spend the next 45 minutes or hour giving me a tour of the house and making coffee. Every once in awhile she drops the phone and then it's, are you alright grandma? I just have to smile down to my toes.

Foundation Page

2011-02-26T08:34:00.003-07:00

This is another page in my new journal. Obviously it's not complete.
The first one was strictly color pencil. This one so far is watercolor crayon, color pencil, and pen. I'm not sure what else I'll add. I believe I'm going to add other little touches and them maybe use the whole journal as a gift. I've been toying around with the idea. I keep tracings of all the ladies I've drawn in this book (oh there's lot's more) so I can scan them and reuse them. Of course, I'm not sure if anyone else would like it but I hope so.

Art Journal Page

2011-02-22T21:43:00.003-07:00

This is one the pages in my new art journal. It's just the foundation so there isn't much too it at the moment.
It is done with colored pencil with just a few touches of white gel pen. This journal is beginning with each page having a woman in some form or another. Each seem to be certain of who they are. Identity is such a precious thing. As we grow up, we begin to develop an identity as we test the boundaries of our youth. Some of us take longer, some are fortunate and just know. What if you get to say, oh 60, and don't know who you are? To me that's frightening idea. I recently started working with someone who has a diagnosis of personal identity disorder or something like that. As she was talking about it, I began to understand. She hasn't a sense of self the way alot of us do. I don't know about you, most days I think I know who I am and what I like, however, I have an occassional day where I say to myself, REALLY is this who I am???? Imagine though not even knowing what color you like or ???? If everyone in your life told you what to think and what you liked and didn't like since you could remember, how would you know. I told her sometimes it's easier to narrow things down by figuring out who you are not in order to figure out who you are. I'm thankful she has a good therapist. I think in some respects, my art helps me with my identity, that continual refining of sense of self. Of course, that's only one voice in that search of identity. How did you come to that sense of identity, that realization, this is me?

New ATC

2011-02-18T06:25:00.002-07:00

Here is a new little ATC. I'm not sure if it's done yet. I like the simplicity of it, however, I have a couple little charms and one of them might look nice if I can figure out how to attach it. I probably should have thought of that before I put it together. Oooops.

So winter has been tough around our house. It seems like I haven't had much energy, especially creatively. Some friends and I have decided to go to a new gallery in town. My friend Laura has been there and says it's right up my alley. I can't wait. Last night, I went and sat at a coffee shop with some women from my church and Pastor Elizabeth. We brought our crocheting, knitting, and even embroidery and just visited! Such a nice relaxing evening. Lots of teasing, politics, and joyful news was discussed. Loved it! Maybe winter has turned the corner.

Art Journal Page

2011-02-05T14:54:00.002-07:00

So this is the end result of my journal page. I've never worked with oil pastels and I'm not sure whether I like them or not. I'm still reserving my judgement. It was a good learning experience and I'll keep practicing. I really haven't decided if I like this page or not. The perfectionist in me isn't happy. Of course it very seldom is happy. However, I'm getting better at ignoring it! I'm thinking it might make a good card?

2011-02-05T11:39:00.002-07:00

I do so have to apologize to Lori! I've been extremely bad at blogging lately. I exchanged ATCs with her in December and had yet to post the lovely ATC. She also sent me a card her sister created and some lovely pieces of paper. I really like the Christmas ATC. Thanks so much Lori!
For what ever reason I just haven't felt like blogging. Of course it hasn't helped having this cold! I haven't had anything last so long ever! It's drained all by energy. Generally all I can do is come home from work and land on the couch until bedtime. This has been going on since mid-January. I saw the doctor and she wasn't concerned so I guess I shouldn't be. But I'm getting rather crabby with myself as I have no energy and no drive. I've been making myself do a few things lately and I guess I'll pay better attention to vitamins. I don't even have energy to do real cooking which I'm sure isn't helping things.My brain feels like it doesn't even want to kick start, ugh! I'm going to have to figure out how to eat to get some energy back.

2011-01-06T05:55:00.002-07:00

Well I've been working on my computer and I think it's getting back to where it use to be. Oh, I didn't tell you? One of my son's friends thought he knew how to fix a problem on my computer. Without asking, he did a factory reset. Don't ever do that! It takes your computer back to the day the factory made it. Blinking happily without a care because, well because at that point they don't have anything to keep track of! No photos to organzie, no documents, no nothing. I've been working on updating programs, tool bars, all that stuff. And before you ask, no, I hadn't gotten around to backing anything up including pictures. If you could hear me, I'd be saying a big Homer DOH! Anyway, hopefully my computer is back to cooperating with me full time instead of part time we'll see. I'm sure there is something I missed.

Art Journal Page

2011-01-03T20:26:00.002-07:00

This is the foundation of a new art journal page. I've started several for an online class put on by Strathmore. Pam Carriker is the presenter of this class. It's four weeks and is free! Go check it out.
She's teaching how to do this in layers. I'm trying to be very patient and not jump ahead of what I think will be the next step.

What is the scariest thing you've ever done?

2010-12-28T20:44:00.002-07:00

Me, it's wrapping the tape measure around my hips! It's time to be serious.

2010-12-12T08:00:00.005-07:00

I've been looking for winter clip and found these. They're very old fashioned and I love how much detail they contain to give texture to the pictures. I thought others might enjoy them to.
They aren't Christmas so they can be used for all sorts of art work.

Well it continues to snow everywhere which is what it's suppose to do I guess. I do like snow, just not ice and cold! Well, I've started setting up my new journal which I'm using a composition notebook for it. That has it's challenges since the paper is regular notebook paper. I'll probable glue some pages together. Other times I can do a page on cardstock and add it. It out to be interesting anyway. I'm thinking of starting one or two other journals for different purposes. Well stay warm!

New Journal Page

2010-12-08T06:08:00.002-07:00

So I'm not really sure what to say. I seem to be still struggling gettingthe action to match my words. Another year is soon coming to a close and I've already started my reflection. I'm struggling with my depression more than I'd like to admit even to myself. The vitamin D does help but the reality is, I'm not where I want to be or hoped to be. So I've made an appointment with a doctor in January and I'm going to follow the advice of some sweet friends. In the meantime I'm starting a second journal to explore where I'm at and what goals I'd like to set. Hopefully there will be some actual steps to get to those goals. You know, I'm 53 and it's time to get things write. I don't want to keep wishing and have my dreams continue to be something floating out there. It's time to bring them into reality. So first step is to take stock of my reality. Then I need to figure out what I just have to accept like it or not and move onto what I can change. It's that serenity prayer you know. If you don't know, google it, everyone should know it. In the mean time, if I haven't worn you out, I could sure use some support. I really never intended making my struggle so public but the reality is I need support, I need the help of caring people. I hope in this aspect, I can also help other. I'm sorry about not stopping in and visiting, but these days, just getting through the day is an accomplishment. The first goal is to make a schedule which will include things that will bring my life more into balance. I think that will be my word for the new year. Anyway, thanks for getting through this post and stopping by. I hope you leave a comment even if it is to say hi.

Christmas Cards

2010-12-03T05:46:00.007-07:00

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas everywhere you look................
So the first two pics are my Christmas cards for this year. They're all designed, now I just need to assemble. The little bear is a copy of a color pencil drawing of mine. The top one is layered with cardstock, has a stamped snowflake and he's sitting on a tiny bit of glitter.

This second one has this one stamp that says Merry Christmas with my bear layered on top. The color is from a bit of pastel chalk. The stamps, cardstock, and pastel chalk are all from Stampin' Up. It's so fun to turn one of my original designs into a card! Can't wait to get it assembled and sent out.

This last pic is an invite I designed for our resident's Christmas party. Our staff decided they wanted something abit non-traditional. What do you think? Me, I'm trying to get myself pushed into the Christmas mode. I don't have alot of decorations however, I have tons of lights. Maybe, I'll string them all over the house. That would brighten things up! Anyway, this weekend I plan to return some visits so I'll be stopping in. Have a good Friday!

ATC Swap

2010-12-01T05:41:00.003-07:00

I participated in a swap over at Treasure Barn. Patti is so imaginative. This is an ATC entitled Angels Among Us. It's just so sweet. Patti is creating steampunk items lately and they're very nice! She's created some tins with this theme and will have them listed in her etsy shop starting in December. Be sure and stop in.
Well we have tons of snow! Winter came in one day and it doesn't look like it will be leaving any time soon. I don't mind the snow, just the cold and the ice. Winter is always a tough time of year for me with my depression. I'm taking a new form of Vitamin D in a liquid and it seems to work a bit better. However, it's not quite enough and I may have to consider going to the doctor and seeing about meds. This is a huge struggle for me. Like most people, I don't want to be on medications. Ugh, I just hate the idea. It's a real battle for me. I know all the good reasons to do it and all the reasons why I might not do it. After all, I make these kind of recommendations for others to consider in my other life. Still, I'm like anyone else and I struggle with it. Keep me in your prayers, as I truly don't know what decision I'll make.

2010-11-15T20:29:00.003-07:00

Some days the world feels so far away. It occurs to me the smallness of one person on those days. I'm grateful for my faith on those days. This is a new digital collage titled "mistress".

2010-11-09T19:31:00.003-07:00

I need sometimes to remember what I don't have to be more grateful for what I do have. I need to remember those who are where I'm glad to not be. May my prayers remember, may my words be soft and my hands willing.

2010-11-06T19:01:00.000-06:00

Building a Gratitude List

2010-11-05T06:19:00.003-06:00

Well it is the month of November and it seems most of us start to think about what we're grateful for. I know I'm probably a bit late and some people have already started this. Maybe I'll see if I can find someone who is building a list and inviting people to share. Anyway, if you'd care to join me, that would be great! I hope to maybe do some tags for each thing I'm grateful for which means I have some catching up already, but that's okay. Well here goes: I'm grateful for friends! I have wonderful friends in many places. Some friends I've not met in person yet they are friends. They support me, push me, calm me and never give up on me. They accept me despite my flaws including my depression. Who knows maybe they even embrace me because of them! I'm truly blessed.

2010-11-02T20:10:00.003-06:00

So it's fall. Actually it's November. Can we say December? It's right around the corner you know! Ugh. How does time sneak up? Some people need a personal trainer for exercise, and not that I don't. Believe me I very much do! But I need a personal trainer for for time. I kind of get lost or is it obsessive and stuck. Mm----m, probably the latter.
So the tree was a just because, however, it might make the beginnings of a journal page or possibly a scrapbook page. I haven't decided. I was stamping with some friends and could decide what to do so I just started punching leaves out hoping something would come to me. Looks sort of like a fall rainbow.

I just finished these beads. It's amazing what you can do with a magazine. Ads have to be good for something after all. The beads are super easy and paired with the red beads, it's just happy! So I'm already wishing for summer. I don't like waking up in the dark!! Barring that, could they please get rid of daylight savings? I'm not sure how anyone thinks that saves on power. If we get up earlier in the dark aren't we using the power we would have used at night? Personally, I think it's a power and control issue. I want to wake up with sun!! Any excuse you can give me is not going to satisfy me. I do well with dark at night, that's where the dark belongs, at night. The Carribean is sounding pretty good right now.

2010-10-26T20:47:00.002-06:00

So here is my latest project. It's still in process and has even changed some since I took the photo. I found a book at the library titled Creative Collage Techniques. It's a really nice book. It talks about mediums, surfaces to do collages on, brushes and so much more. It also has projects to try. My project is actually my own interpretation from a project presented in Cloth, Paper, and Scissors. In fact, this is the project my friends want to work on. The cover is by the author who has inspired us to re-interpret the project. It was presented as a learning project with directions, however, I'm not always so good at following directions. On of the things I'm learning is how much medium a person really should be using to protect materials from breaking down. The book talks about coating front and back of the paper used as the foundation and about coating other pieces, especially if they're not archival safe. It seems things are acidic and can deteriorate what it comes in contact with. I love the samples from artists in the book, they are just fabulous. I hope you check the book out!

Change

2010-10-13T19:19:00.002-06:00

I don't know what to post about! I don't know what to say! I'm feeling very disfunctional and without a purpose here! Things have been influx around me. People are changing, leaving relationships, getting into relationships, moving, changing jobs, changing where they are in their beliefs. Aaack! Can't the world stop, just for oh, you know a minute, an hour, how about a month. I would love to feel the feeling for awhile when everything feels just right. Oh, the horrors, change is inevitable, thus my journal page. Actually, I'm okay with change, it just feels like right now, I'm not guiding it. Some how, I'm getting thrown in and I don't get to dip my big toe in to check the temperature. Maybe that's good, I don't get to chicken out. I have some friends who want to intepret a project from Cloth Paper and Scissors each in our own mediums which means quilting, encaustics, possibly watercolor, and collage (me). Not scary until one of them gets the bright idea that they want to see if they can get a local restaurant to display it. Their all excited and discussing their ideas for their projects and I'm just sitting back. They all know me, I'm quiet don't offer much comments (sometimes, especially if I'm feeling insecure) and my friend Brownie goes, "So Vickie, getting an ideas." Um----m, well maybe I'll use abit of text and an underpainting of chocolate brown and well. . . . Gasp, I don't know, I'm just taking in you want a public display, my brain says, don't ask me if I have ideas I'm silently screaming. OMG, for heaven's sake. I know it sounds silly as I'm sitting here writing a public blog and posting my artwork, I should be worried about a public display in my own town? See that moves things into a different realm that I've successfully avoided for years now. I have to take my talent serious! Do I really have talent, am I fooling myself, have people just been kind. OMG, now I have to take the time to improve, I can't be a jill of all trades, I need to move into a jillian, master of a trade! Seems like the universe has thrown a brick I can't ignore. So any bricks been thrown your direction, how'd you get past it? What does change look life for you. Got any tips on running from bricks? Do bricks chase you in your sleep? Actually, I have tigers who chase me, how about you any tigers or polar bears. So what is under your bed at night, do you sleep with a teddy bear, do you sleep, how do you sleep, can I come play, want to teach me. VICKE, TAKE A BREATH!!! Ya, my brain really does that, scary isn't it.You know me, I'm sporadic. I have a tough time keeping in touch, checking in, staying on task or getting beyond the basics. Really, I have a tough time believing I do anything well and that friends and family are just placating me. Okay enough, if you read every word of my rambling, you are to be congratulated! Take pity on me, and brave coming back! Leave a kind comment or a comment or something constructive. I'm hear so seldom, I believe the place is starting to echo, echo, echo. Shoot enough already!

2010-10-04T16:46:00.002-06:00

Least it looks like I haven't been keeping my journal, I have. These are the two current pages I'm working on. I'm not sure if I'm done. I haven't added the actual entry though. I thought the pages were interesting enough to share them. I've noticed even though this journal is about my depression, the pages themselves are not depressing. I believe this is due to the hope I carry in my heart. One thing I've learned in my life is wait, it will change. Besides in the Bible it says if you have faith the size of a mustard seed. Imagine, that's what it takes! Who couldn't have hope with that.

2010-10-04T10:44:00.002-06:00

So here is another attempt at combing images. Part of this was previously posted. This time I created a mask overlay and added it to the original collage I created. I'm getting closer to what I'm trying to learn but certainly not there yet. I may need to soften the color first before making the overlay and sharpen the other image so it isn't quite so washed out. Oh and Patti, thanks for the info on raster. I think I'll have to print it out and read it many times before I understand it. My goodness, that may be way more technical than I need to get.

Illusion

2010-10-01T05:58:00.002-06:00

On the other hand, illusion can be a good thing! When my cousin first saw this pic, she didn't even recognize herself. She said," and my kids thought I could only fly on a broom!" I love you Cherie! Her mom told her she had a new image to live up too. So now Cherie, you can flit off for the weekend and spread happiness and joy! Happy Friday! Now does anyone know what a raster layer is? seriously!

2010-09-28T22:48:00.002-06:00

This is my very first attempt at combining images digitally! Please excuse the awkwardness of it as I'm a very slow learner. My friend Patti though is such an inspiration, I just had to try. My biggest frustration was how to make something completely see through! I could layer on top of however I could not get an image to be totally transparent. I have Corel so if anyone could give me some advice, I'd appreciate it. I've been thinking more about illusions. Digital art really brought that to mind. Last time I talked about distance creating an illusion and I've come to realize that denial is an illusion. I've been thinking I've been doing well. The truth is, in some respects I am. My depression isn't as severe, however I haven't gotten back to where I think I should be. Do you ever have that feeling where you just sit down one day and realize life has gotten in the way. Some days the end of the day comes and it's all gone, how? How does time get away so fast? How is it what I wanted to remember I don't until I lay my head on my pillow and my brain starts whirling. Funny thing, with my depression comes insomnia. Isn't that wonderful, some people sleep and I can't!! Well today I worked on drawing negative space and did the digital piece. I guess that goes back to adjusting my perspective on reality as well. If I don't accurately assess how I'm doing then how I'm doing becomes an illusion. Isn't it amazing how illusions are created.

2010-09-27T14:47:00.002-06:00

Patti over at Treasure Barn hosted an ATC. It had been so long since I participated in a swap. My partner was DeeDee and this was her first attempt at zentangles. I think she did a very nice job. She has such nice color and lots of details. I so appreciate it. Thanks DeeDee and thanks Patti for hosting the swap!

Autumn Leaves Eva Cassidy

2010-09-26T08:43:00.001-06:00

Eva Cassidy happens to be one of my favorite singers. Her voice has such a wonderful quality. If you have a chance, check out Utube for her other songs.

Too Early?

2010-09-23T21:46:00.001-06:00

2010-09-22T17:44:00.002-06:00

So, here I am again. Illusion. Thinking about what I thought I knew and what I actually knew were two different things. You're probably saying that's a no brainer. However applying to someone else's life is so much simpler than applying it to your own life. After all what I and you know, that's reality, right?
So it came to me as I was sitting though the weekend and then on the drive home, illusion does not equal reality! What, where'd that nonsense come from? Where did illusion even enter in? What I thought I knew was an illusion. As I listened to various conversations around the room and was filled in by various relatives of what was going on in each others lives, I came to realize what I had perceived as reality was in fact an illusion. Distance allowed me to believe lives were perfect and all were doing exceptionally well. It's not that they aren't doing well, but they aren't weren't perfect. I knew my flaws and imperfections intimately, but I didn't know theirs. Not only had physical distance fed this illusion but distance in the relationships fed this illusion. I came to realize better, I can not measure myself against others, not in terms of success or struggles. I can find comfort in others, I can find support and encouragement in others, and I can not find myself in them. I'm me with all my flaws, talents, and strengths. I may never be as close as I would like to be, however, I won't let illusion put distance between us or be the guide post by which I measure my life. Nor will I let illusion dictate my expectations of me or others. If I need to alter my perception on a daily basis, then that's what I'll have to do though I don't think it will be necessary, at least not that often. I just need to remind myself the public face is partly an illusion and has been edited to put the best face forward so to speak. Some where in there lies the truth and I just need to love them and me.

2010-09-21T19:10:00.003-06:00

I went to see my family this past weekend. There was a memorial service for an uncle who had passed away earlier in the spring. I wanted to be there for my cousin as it had been many years since I saw my uncle. My memories of him were far and few as he didn't live near and our paths never seemed to cross much. I was nervous about seeing all the cousins, I must admit, as we hadn't seen each other over the years. I had these images built up in my mind and I was sure I didn't match up to them. If I had time to explain the family dynamics you'd understand why. What amazed me during the weekend was the insight that came to me, distance creates illusion.
Well, I think I'll stop here and ask you to come back tomorrow if you're interested in finding out what my aha moment was all about.

2010-09-13T21:20:00.003-06:00

While I may not have blogged much this summer, it was a wonderful summer. My daughter and granddaugthers are now back home. I loved having them here even though it made for a crowded house. Now, I need to get things back in order and do some painting. I hope to spend some time being creative, optimum word being hope to. In the mean time, I'm in the mood to do some little ATCs like the one above. Right now, I have such a sense of peace, I wish I could share it. I love the sense of joy and the little flutter I feel. Everything just feels right. What a nice way to end the Lord's day.

2010-08-26T06:13:00.003-06:00

Today, I'm driving back with my daughter to Washington. Incase you don't know, I live in Montana. I'll return home on Monday. Everytime I think about this I just want to cry. Even though it's been chaotic and busy, I'm so going to miss them! I have to hide the tears from my daughter, I don't need to make her cry. It's been so fun playing with the girls and visiting with Jennifer. They are my heart! Well, pray we have a safe trip. Thanks.

2010-08-23T07:47:00.002-06:00

Well, I'm still having some computer problems and camera problems. Infact, I'm not even sure where my camera is! I'm enjoying the granddaughters tremendously, however, the littlest one is a walking tornado. She's so curious and into everything. We've had to grab and shove so many things. I believe it will take me months to recover everything. Her sister is a bit better, but they are both such curious children and then they smile and my heart just melts. I was not very childproof, that's for sure! I've had little time for anything creative other than a bit of knitting on a lap blanket. I don't think that qualifies. This probably has been the funnest but most unproductive time in a long while. This week I drive back to Washington with them and then will fly back home. The house will be very empty (sad). Then I'll have to get my but busy!

2010-08-11T21:30:00.002-06:00

Peace such a fraigle thing. How does one find it in a chaotic world? How do you find peace? Sometime, I take a walk late at night and listen to the sounds of the earth. Sometimes in the morning, I find sun and sit in it while I drink my coffee. Sometimes I sit in prayer and contemplation.

Quick Pics

2010-08-09T09:13:00.009-06:00

I hope summer is being good to you, it certainly has been for me! I'm enjoying every minute with my granddaughters! Sorry for the inattention to the blog. Anyway, here's Morgan's first fish pappa helped her to catch. She was not shy at all about touch it!
Miss Arissa and puppy are looking for a stick she can through for her. Each had boundless energy and so they were a good match.

Of course Arissa talked mom into taking a walk around. It's very hard work being three. Way too many restrictions you know. How do you get around them? Why sweet talk an adult don't you know!

Cousins are fun!

Camera shy Jennifer, dad caught her in the rearview mirror. I love this picture.

And yours truly, tired but very happy.

For those of you who trickle by, tell me how your summer is going. I'd love to hear about it. I promise I will return the visit. I've got to get reconnected to everyone. I miss you all and can't believe how fast this summer is going by!

Problems posting

2010-07-21T06:13:00.008-06:00

Well, I'm able to post in the old editor of blogger, however, I'm not sure that I'll like this as I haven't used it before. I understand it has some limitations, we'll see. If the problem doesn't resolve it's self soon, I may change to something else, we'll see. On the brighter side, I'm going to fly out to my daughter's and drive back with her to Montana! I'm so excited, I get to play grandma for about a month, yea!
This picture was taken last spring. I imagine they've grown alot! I can't wait to see them and I know hubby aka grandpa is just as excited. Well, I saved this post and then went back and tried to edit it under the new editor and it won't pull it up. It's not looking hopefully. From what I've seen of others having this problem, they either found away around it or they quit they're blog because it just wouldn't work. The old editor is really limited. No color text, no script styles, no anything, very sad.

Collage!

2010-07-07T23:51:00.000-06:00

Well I wish I could say I have a good reason for not posting, but I don't. Nothing dramatic or exciting has happened. I think I got into a rut and found it hard to shake and I didn't like it but didn't seem to do anything about it. I hope I've shaken it off but who knows, we'll have to see. Sometimes, I think it's about facing people when I'm disappointed in myself if that makes any sense. Anyway, I did manage to do one positive thing which I'm excited to show you. I really wish I had a better camera because it does not do this justice. This is my newest collage done on canvas.

The style is inspired by Anahata Katkin. She was just recently published in Somerset Studio. I've admired her style for quite awhile. There's inspiration found from other artists whose names escape me at the moment. I seem to do alot of blog hopping and then I forget where I found what, which is a shame because I would love to find them again! So I sat and looked and looked at the article and then closed the magazine to see if my imagination could come up with something. Oh, I really wish you could see it up close and personal! It really is so much better, I promise! Anyway, it's finally nice to be excited about something. It wasn't till I finished that I realize this could be a page in my art journal. So I hope you can click on it and see some of the details better. I feel so much better tonight, I wish I could give you all a big hug! Guess I'll just have to say love to you all.

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-03T18:06:00.000-06:00

Another Journal Page

2010-06-19T22:50:00.000-06:00

2010-06-16T20:55:00.000-06:00

New Journal Page

2010-06-15T23:05:00.000-06:00

2010-06-14T07:58:00.000-06:00

I love cupcakes don't you! Every once in awhile I like to make white cupcakes with fluffly white frosting. My kids always thought they were so plain but to me there is something about the simplicity that is so delicious! I thought I'd share a couple of photography blogs this morning that I found. Each of them are amazing! First is Glen. I love his nature photos and he even makes an outboard motor look good! Next is a blog called Rose Notes. It's about roses and she takes the most delicious photos of roses and an occasionally peonie or daisy. I know I said a couple but I've been visiting Merisi's blog for quite awhile. I always go there when I'm feeling down. She has wonderfully photos of Vienna and her travels. There's life, architecture, nature and oh yay, pastries! What girl couldn't resist a pastrie with a latte when they're down. Best part, they're calorie free! Anyway, I'm sure there are way more blogs out there with stunning photography, so I highly encourage you to discover some others. In fact many of the people on my sidebar are quite good with photographing their lives and art! I find photos to be quite uplifting.

2010-06-12T23:16:00.000-06:00

This was inspired by Pastor Elizabeth in a sermon last Sunday. This is the first finished painting. This one will be a gift for her. I do intend to make another original. I'm not use to working with watercolor but for a first, I think it's alright. It continues to be wet and gray. Today felt more like fall than spring. I do wish the sun would come out!

Bits and Scraps

2010-06-07T08:58:00.000-06:00

I love little projects! It's a good way to use up those little bits of paper. I must confess I have a hard time throwing away all those small bits of paper. I'm terrible! Have you ever tried to color sort and organize those time bits? Good if you want to consume time when you're bored or want to go crazy, either way it'll work.

Any way, this little album or tag book, haven't decided which, starts with a foundation of three envelopes that are folded and put together in such a way as to unfold in many directions as you can see by the following photo.

Sorry, I didn't think to take pictures while constructing the foundation but at the end of the post I'll have a link you can go to where I found it.

This last shot is the book I made to hold it.all. Now I have to make the tags for it. It was so much fun to construct and like I said I can use up my little bits. So here is the link to Jann Gray where you can find the how to on construct the folding part. She uses the larger envelopes but I did a smaller version and used regular envelopes since I just wanted to practice this first time. Jann does a very nice tutorial on explaining the construction of this. I hope you enjoy this.

Visitors!

2010-06-04T06:35:00.001-06:00

I've had visitors lately. It was so funny to watch this family of ducks hurry up and waddle through the yard to get under a tree in our yard. You can't see mamma from this angle but she's there too. She was such a good mother getting her babies out of a down pour.

This little guy has been a regular visitor! I love bunnies. In fact I drive a certain route to work for maximum bunnie spotting.

Sorry about being inattentive to my blog. It seems connecting with people on a personal level has been painful. I guess all the things I do for my depression only go so far and there are going to be these times. It feels like I'm coming out of my fog though and I'll certainly be around more. Even doing anything creative has been somewhat painful. I love my doodles but I've gotten into a routine and I'm not growing like I would like to. So I'm going to look for some background techniques to learn and practice. If you have any suggestions of some blogs with good posts let me know. I'll be searching them out too. I hope you continue to humor me and drop by. I will certainly visit if you do. Man I hate depression but what's a girl to do but live through it. Anyway, I need to go to work but I plan on visiting some blogs over the weekend and I'll be sure to say hi and connect!

2010-05-23T16:06:00.000-06:00

So I'm back from the confernce. It wasn't what I was expecting. It was more about networking than about living with chronic pain. My clients are going to be disappointed. I'll just have to keep doing research on my own. So I hope you've had a good weekend. Driving back from Missoula I hit sunshine, rain, and snow all on the same day as well as going to Missoula. Old Man Winter is sure having a hard time letting go!

2010-05-19T21:18:00.000-06:00

Well, tomorrow I'm off to a seminar for work. For those of you that don't know what I do when I'm not pretending to be an artist, I'm a licensed addiction counselor. The seminar I'm attending is on chronic pain and addiction. I think this will be very interesting and I'm hoping I hear something new. In addition to my depression I also have chronic pain due to my back problems. So far I manage without medications on a consistent basis. There have been times I've needed them, however, I'm very fortunate to not need them all the time. If it's something you can avoid taking all the time so much the better. That addiction is nasty!! Not that all addictions aren't. I'm hoping to hear more information about managing pain without medications. I'm also still working on flowers but that will have to wait till I get back. The conference is in Missoula which sets in the mountains. It's beautiful country which I'll enjoy while I'm driving. It's Thursday night and all day Friday. Not sure if I'll drive back Friday night or not, it's about a 5 or 6 hour drive and I don't know if I'll be up to it after sitting all day, though the idea of being stuck in a motel room by myself an extra day isn't appealing either. I'll have to see as I sit here with my eyes drooping. Maybe staying an extra night might be a good idea after all.

2010-05-17T19:23:00.000-06:00

Here is some pics of flowers that I'm making in anticipation of the tea party Vanessa is hosting in June.

Sorry about them being a bit blurry but then they are just a peek! I haven't joined in on anything for so long, I'm looking forward to it. I thought making a commitment would help boost me or should I say motivated. I haven't done much with paper lately and it's always so fun to play with glue! I have a few other ideas for flowers rattling around. If they turn out I'll post them.

Spring Time

2010-05-10T12:06:00.000-06:00

Spring is definitely here! I love the colors of nature. Looks like I'll be having a bumper crop of crab apples this year.

2010-05-09T15:56:00.001-06:00

Happy Mother's Day to the many sweet mothers out there. Isn't it nice such a precious gift of our children can make us special.

2010-05-06T06:20:00.002-06:00

OMG, snow, seriously? It's May for heaven's sake!

U.S. Soldiers in Afghanistan Cover 'Telephone' by Lady Gaga [Music Video...

2010-05-05T18:44:00.000-06:00

Love this! What a fun way to relieve stress for these guys!!

Zen Doodles

2010-05-03T08:21:00.001-06:00

So I've been told these are called zentangles. When I found a site for zentangles, I found mine are quite simplistic to the ones they have displayed! I think I'll have to check this site out and learn more. I thought I was just doodling. In fact, I had never heard of them before until Cheryl from Healing Woman made a comment on a previous post. This is something I started doing when I sit in meetings or when my brain just wouldn't cooperate creatively. I never realized it was an art form all on its own. I thought I was just taking care of my depression! It seems there's lots of people who do this. Google it some time and you'll find all kinds of neat sites with this art form. So I hope your Monday will be good. Nomrally this is a day off for me, however, work is having some 5 year goal planning session and I'll be going in this afternoon. They have a professional person come in to do this. It should be interesting to see what he does. I'm told it's more about direction and vision rather than the daily activities. Unless this direction and vision can get me more paperwork time, I'm pretty happy. We'll see.

2010-04-28T06:30:00.001-06:00

Life certainly seems to move faster and faster, well at least for me! Here I'm thinking it's barely into April and someone said do you realize the month is almost over? No way!! I just barely put away the Christmas tree. At this rate it'll be time to get it back out! Ugh, why does time have to move so fast. So do you remember when you became conscious of time? As a kid it seemed to move so so so so slow, it dragged on. Summer never got here, school lasted forever and it was too long a year to be good for Santa Claus. My folks started using Santa Claus right after Halloween. Now in the blink of an eye, the year is 25% over! Speaking of over, I need to get ready for work, still have my pjs on and I need to leave in a few minutes. Do you think they'd mind if I came in super casual? It would maybe make my stressful days less stressful??

2010-04-19T13:21:00.002-06:00

My friend Terry and I went to Sheridan, Wyoming for the weekend. We met a couple of friends there who were coming from Casper, Wyoming. We rent this suite and rearrange all the furniture and set up our own stamp and scrap camp! We have stamps and paper and die cut machines and ink pads and cutters and ..... Well you get the idea. We have a blast. Of course we go out to eat and have to have dessert one night. I had this to die for chocolate molten cake with raspberry sauce! Melissa and Becky are so much fun and they really love to stamp and scrap. The card above was created on this trip. It actually came about because we bought candy and it was in these wonderful clear bags with tropical flowers on it. I just knew I could do something with it and sure enough. The cellophane is wrapped around a stamped image that comes from Innovative Stamp Creations. I won this stamp in a give away from Jo who is a fantastic stamper!! You really must check her out as she always seems to have something fabulous going on. I also worked on some scrapbook pages for my son-in-law. Since he hasn't sent me many pictures, I thought I would set the pages up and send him the album. I've been working on an album with an army theme since that is his career right now. I'm hoping that when he sees the album he'll be inspired to finally make up his mind which pictures he does want. Well, I think the washing machine stopped so I better go toss the contents into the dryer.

2010-04-13T20:40:00.000-06:00

When I got home from work today there was a box on the kitchen table. Hmmm, unexpected mail, what coudl be in it? Open it up, popcorn? Microwave popcorn, hmmm. Who is it from? My stepmom. Did she think I needed a snack? My scale would heartily disagree with this notion by the way! Bad, bad scale.

Oh yea, she said she had a box of old buttons she would send me after reading my pitiful lament about the slowly emptying of my button jars. Well after I got the buttons seperated from the popcorn, she kinda sorta just mixed them together, I found I had a lovely pile of buttons and other sewing notions!

Check out the needle package, vintage! The back side has been cut which is too bad but this side is in perfect condition. Sorry about the poor pictures. It seems I need a new camera. Oh, and check out that saftey pin. I'm thinking I could go fishing for pike or that's serious protection! Thanks Lou, it's much appreciated and really helped pick up my day since I went to work and am still sick! This cold won't go away but I think I'm on the down side.

Mixed-Up Doodles

2010-04-11T16:27:00.000-06:00

A couple new creatures! I hope they behave themselves. I'm not sure what they ran into but it looks like they're a bit mixed up as it is.

2010-04-07T06:36:00.000-06:00

Yep it's Wednsday alright. Just a bit of doodle with a gel pen. Feeling a bit frustrated. I don't seem to be making progress with my art. I seem to be at a crossroads where I either start getting some direction and improve or toss it all out. I do a little of this and a little of that however none of it has this is it feeling! Of course that could just be the depression. Actually feeling a bit directionless, if that's a word. Do you ever feel that way. I just would like to move from doodles and semi interesting fun whimsical into a direction oriented artwork. Course it would help if I knew what I was doing. Maybe the frustration is because I'm self taught and I've plateaued for awhile. Ugh, how do I get moving again.

2010-03-31T22:07:00.000-06:00

Completed with a dip pen. I'm having fun with it. I'm feeling alittle cross eyed though and very tired. It did take about three sittings to complete. I'm thinking about writing in the margin the words from the murk of chaos emerges light. I might have to put this on a tee shirt. Good night and sweet dreams. I hope mine are sweet. The weather man is predicting snow! I hope for the mountains only.

Happy Monday!

2010-03-29T09:36:00.000-06:00

So, you wouldn't know it, however, this is the sixth time I've tried to write something. Words and thoughts don't seem to be flowing very smoothly this morning. I guess some days are like that. I've just been cleaning lately, nothing exciting. I've a bit of laundry, actually, that's an understatement. I'm pretty sure laundry crossbreeds with rabbits. I may go to the bookstore. My bookclub chose to read And the Band Played On. I understand it's about 600 pages and I'm a slow reader, ugh! I'm also trying to read a Nora Roberts book that my girlfriend lent to me. I'm not the biggest Nora Roberts fan but it's okay. I have on my night stand as well books on Motivational Interviewing (counseling), Secrets of a Satisfying Life. and a book by Jared Diamond titled Collapse, How Societies Choose to Fail or Suceed. You know, just abit of fluff reading! Am I reading anything for fun? I am appreciating those books but I have some art books I'm anxious to dive into: Art Escapes and the Creative Edge, among others. I also have a book called Major Pettigrew's Last Stand and many others. I'm working on learning to draw with my new tips from Jet Pens. These are strictly for drawing, not really for lettering. I already lost one tip in the bottle of ink! The pen holder does not hold the tips so I learned, I've got to add tinfoil to the tip to give it enough thickness to stay in the holder. Very disappointing, however, the tinfoil works so I'm okay with that. Well for someone who didn't have much to say, looks like I rambled. Actually I have alot to say and lots of questions but I'm sure it would be overwhelming. So what are you reading and what projects are you working on?

2010-03-24T06:21:00.000-06:00

I haven't yet figured out how to create background for my blog, until I do I'm using a free background. Now I know the banner doesn't match but I'm figuring that out and I hope to have something that might coordinate a bit better but will last a few changes in background. So expect changes. Sorry that I haven't been visiting much. Seems like my days pass so fast or else I'm just loosing track of time. I will be working on changing that! I hope you have a good Wednesday, and I'll be around to visit!

2010-03-22T19:34:00.000-06:00

Well, it turned out a bit small, but here is my attempt at a paper mache hat. It is of course my version of a Mad Hatter hat. Boy did I have glue all over the place. I had fun decorationg it. It was for my book club meeting which we had to where hats for. We read the book The Bean Trees. It was a very nice read. Next time we're reading And The Band Played On. I was trying to find it at the library. They have video but not the book. I'll have to see if I can borrow it from someone otherwise, I'm going to have to buy it. I don't mind that except I think this will be a book I'd read once. Oh well.

2010-03-16T12:21:00.000-06:00

So Eddy arrived with his little vodoo doll. I told my husband if he wasn't extra sweet, I'd name the doll Dennis :) It's just wonderful! I think the teddy bear from Dawn is making him nervous though. You can't trust those sweet looking things, you never know what's on their mind after all! Nicole creates the most delicious monsters. I hope you do stop by to see her.

By the way, I just wanted to thank everyone for when they stop by. I love it very much. It's even better when people do leave a comment too. Today I'm celebrating my birthday something or other (actually 53) and the best birthday present I've had is all the people in my life. So thankyou for being part of the most precious gift in my life.

2010-03-15T19:55:00.000-06:00

Well this packageed arrived a few days ago but I've been having camera issues so I haven't been able to post the pics until today. It's absolutely delightful. Ellen from Sing-Tatter put together these goodies for the One Heart One World give away which I so luckily won!! She put so much thought into it and there's just so much wonderfully eye candy. Oh my goodness.

To top it off Ellen wrote this little book in the next pic. It is so much fun! There are all kinds of neat suggestions to do for friends. I'm thinking of eventually sharing it with my daughter and granddaughters. I really like it so much! Ellen, you're such a sweetie! Everyone, please go see her. She has a nice blog and it's just fun. It's very cheerful.

Oh, I just got Eddy from Mealy Monster. As long as my camera continues to work, I'll post that in the next day or two. The flash doesn't work anymore so I have to wait until good light. Also I need to make sure hubby doesn't run away with it.

2010-03-11T17:50:00.000-07:00

The weekend is almost upon us!!

Spring, Clutter and Blog

2010-03-03T06:48:00.000-07:00

First, a little something I stamped up while at a friend's house. She has a wonderful assortment of stamps and it's always so much fun to go play at Terry's house. I was going to make this into a card, however, I think I'll make it into a wall hanging. The quote is a good directive for life don't you think?

It feels like spring has arrived, though I may be a bit premature. We still have snow on the ground, it's melting though my pretties! Sorry, I couldn't resist. Thankful we were spared the storm that hit the northeast. Prayers for them as many have been struggling to get power back. But the spring bug has hit me, that's for sure. Now I look around my house and what I see is cramped, cluttered spaces. Sigh! Why does spring fever do that? Please can someone tell me! I guess it's the need to make everything feel fresh. Any I'm looking at walls and floors and closets and dressers and the craftroom and going oh my, lots of work! It feels like a lost cause because I've been spending time at the hospital almost daily and work of course. My poor little house has been sadly neglected. I drop stuff and run. So now I'm determined to declutter and clean. I know be merciless and toss, donate, or otherwise dispose. Sometimes I'm so indecisive though. That's a side affect of my depression. But I'll do it. I want to great spring and summer with a house ready to go so I can be ready to go! Which leads me to my blog. It needs to be freshened up and have a new look! I see so many people who do so many fantistic things with their blogs and I'm looking at and going "oh how do I do that!" I need to change the look!! Any suggestions.

2010-02-24T06:19:00.000-07:00

I am so looking forward to spring! It's almost March and we still have so much snow though it is finally starting to melt. However the ruts of ice in front of my street are still deep!! I'm afraid they'll be here til March at the rate they are melting. The other day I hit the side of a rut just right and bounced one tire into a different rut and then it was over. The car started going catywumpas and before you know it, I was sideways in the street. Not only that I couldn't get my heart to slow down. I really scared myself. I was just sure some car would come along and hit me before I could get back in my lane only. But I managed to get the car back in the right ruts and inch my way off our block. After that, it was fine. We have a couple big trees so the sun doesn't fully cover our street. I'm so looking forward to gentle breezes and birds chirping. Coffee in the morning in the sunbeam and flowers! Oh my goodness, I think I've forgotten what real flowers look like. I suppose I could by some from the store but it's not the same as looking at them with bees buzzing around and the sun bringing out there fragrance. I haven't been able to grow flowers much in our yard but I think I'll ask hubby to get some good dirt. I really want spring, I'm dreaming of dirt for heaven's sake. *Sigh*

2010-02-23T06:33:00.000-07:00

If you read the comments from my early post, Alison said she didn't really know what to say to me when she stopped by. It's okay to not comment about the depression. Not everyone knows or has experienced it. I'm glad, I wish I didn't know about it either. I talk about it once in awhile because it is part of my life. I also talk about it because there are people who do experience and when they stop by they are encouraging. I also talk about because there are some who will never tell you they have it but they do and they need to know they aren't alone. There are more people who have it then you realize but they are afraid to say something. Really that's okay because we all deal with it in our own way. So if you don't know what to say and don't comment, just tell me what's going on in your life. I love to hear what's happening with others. It's a good distraction and it reminds me all things are temporary and this is too! I always get relief. That and my faith, good friends and I'm all set to go!

Got to Have a Sense of Humor!!

2010-02-21T08:22:00.001-07:00

Brain foggy, maybe go visit some blogs write about that. If I think about entertaining others I freeze up. Of course, if I think about that for myself, I freeze brain again. Freeze dried, yep that's it, brain freeze dried. That's what depression is good for, freeze drying brains. Can we freeze dry food that way? Would it have to sit around going, well I don't know, I can't make up my mind. Do I feel like it or don't I. Why does it have to be this way. Can't it be different, why can't the depression go away! Or would food go, got lots of sun, go away! Not having it!!! I want the sun, don't like this gray. I want warm sun that relaxes your bones and causes that warm fuzzy feeling of wanting to melt into a sunbeam and nap. I want to warm up my brain. I want to reconstitute my brain! No more freeze dried brain! Oh crap, that means I need to go exercise. Not expecting much sun today. Guess where the eliptical is. You got it, in the basement in a room with no windows. How's that for irony.

Paperdoll

2010-02-18T06:25:00.000-07:00

Just a short note. Hubby's mother is doing much better. For awhile the pain was so bad from her surgery, we thought she was going to give up. I think I mentioned she was having a triple by pass. I really should have said open heart surgery, it conjours up a more accurate picture. When her doctor explained the procedure afterwards, I just shivered involuntarily. Very invasive to say the least. Thank you for the well wishes and prayers. She's in a unit now where she is having to walk and get her strength back before they can let her go home. So if she continues to do well, maybe she'll look like this saucy little thing!

I admit it, I was making paper dolls. This one turned out. The others, lets just say they were round filed. Anyway, thanks again for the prayers. Hopefully I can post something more interesting this weekend. Do you ever feel like your brain is on autopilot? I think that's where I'm at. So we'll see.

2010-02-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

First let me say how thrilling it is to have had so many entries!! It was way more than I expected, so I'm thrilled. I didn't make it to everyone's blog though. I hear there were some hearty women who did though. Hats off to you or maybe a pillow is needed? I want to thank Lisa for a fabulous event. What it must have taken to coordinate all of that! I can't imagine how she does it but she did. All right, now down to business. I drew three names from all the comments. Well I guess I should say the random number generator did however that's a mouthful. Besides doesn't it sound nice to think of names being pulled out of a bowl or hat? It would have taken 41 pages according to my sad little printer to print them all out so instead, I used the number generator. What? Would I get to the point? Okay, in no certain order they are:

Singtatter

Beth of Quilters Stitch Together

Melinda Cornish of Melinda's Fabric Fancies

If for some reason they do not contact me, I will draw another name. After all, I did say my treasures were looking to travel!

2010-02-11T19:19:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that my MIL had her surgery this morning. I haven't seen her yet, but I'm told that she came through the surgery fine. The next few days may still be rough for her but they expect she will go home in 4 days, as long as there is no complications. We're very grateful!

So are you keeping up with visiting in the OWOH? Not me. That's okay because I keep looking at people's blogs. My goodness there are talented people out their. I've found very sweet and caring people. Wonderful photography, jewelry, doll, sewing, paper artists and more! It's like overdosing in a candy store, oh yum! I know I'll be visiting long after the event is officially closed because it's fun to see what people are up to. The pink design above is a background for a journal promt card. I know I haven't posted much about that and I haven't given up on that project either. That's one of the things I really dislike about depression, forgetfulness. I can wake up in the morning, have a plan for when I get home after work and forget it. I don't even remember that I wrote it on a piece of paper. I forget the projects I have started the techniques I planned to work on. Sometimes forgetting is a blessing but usually not. At least not for me. It's nice that something usually prompts me to remember but I wish I wasn't so forgetful. Maybe I need to pin my list to my shirt!

Lovely ATC

2010-02-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

This lovely ATC was created by Patty at Treasure Barn. It is so lovely. I remember when she first started and now WOW!!! I was the lucky recipient of this lovely ATC in a swap Patty hosted.

This will be a short post. I've been dealing with back pain again! My back seems to go out on a whim now. I'm trying to do exercises to strengthen my muscles but it's been slow going. Mostly I'm doing stretching exercises at the moment to keep my muscles from going into spasms. We've had a bit of bad news. My husband's mother is going to have to have surgery on Tuesday. She went into have stress tests as she's been complaining about pain in her legs on Wednesday. The doctor told her she needed to have a triple by pass surgery! I must admit we are nervous for her and for Dennis' father. If you say prayers, please add them. We'd be so grateful.

2010-01-30T16:43:00.000-07:00

Having fun with OWOH? I am!!

Well, I have been having fun visiting all the different blogs. However, I'm afraid I'm very slow. I've been caught up in a project of making a couple posters for church. We have a social called Chocolate Sunday. So these will sit out to advertise that. I always love combining chocolate and visiting! How about you! I'm finding too many blogs to follow and save. It'll take me a year to get to everyone. There's some very creative people out there!!